All schools in Upshur County will close at 1 p.m. today. All B-UHS sporting events today are canceled.

Nature Wonder Weekend – “In My Backyard” North Bend State Park Sept. 20-22

Photo courtesy of the West Virginia Department of Commerce Wild food foraging and preparation are part of Nature Wonder Weekend at North Bend State Park Sept. 20-22, 2019.

CAIRO, W.Va. — North Bend State Park’s Nature Wonder Weekend, North America’s premier and longest-running wild foods event, will celebrate its 52nd year Sept. 20-22, 2019. This year’s theme is “In My Backyard.”

“Participants this year will learn how to bring their favorite wild edibles into their own backyards,” said Emily Fleming, deputy director for the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources. “Also, as in past events, participants will enjoy a weekend of foraging and wild food preparation at its best. North Bend State Park has been the longstanding host for wild food enthusiasts, and, as always, experienced foragers will be there to help attendees discover the richness nature provides.”

Wild food foragers from across the country attend the Nature Wonder Weekend every year. This year’s keynote speaker will be Vickie Shufer of Virginia Beach, Virginia, who is a naturalist, herbalist and forager with a master’s degree in therapeutic herbalism. Guest speaker David Hawkins of Mother Earth Foods in Parkersburg, West Virginia, will provide information about medicinal herb identification and uses.

Events begin Friday evening and conclude Sunday morning. The schedule includes speakers, presentations and nature walks. Activities include wild edible identification, preparation and preservation; the Hazel Wood Commemorative Wild Food Cooking Contest and the Best Wild Cake Contest. The Wild Drink Contest winner is awarded the honorary Maxine Scarbro Friendship Cup.

Packages for traditional Appalachian-style meals are available at North Bend Lodge restaurant. Overnight lodging packages as well as day-only attendance and meal options are available. Guests may reserve lodge rooms, cabins or camping sites online at www.wvstateparks.com.

To attend the weekend event, guests can find a downloadable registration form at www.wvdnr.gov under “Special Programs,” or can call Wendy Greene at 304-558-2754.

Nature Wonder Weekend is sponsored by the National Wild Foods Association, the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources, and North Bend State Park.

Share this story:

Local Businesses

RECENT Stories

A small light can overcome great darkness: Buckhannon marks Hanukkah with menorah lighting ceremony

More than 100 people gathered Wednesday evening for a Hanukkah menorah lighting ceremony, with Mayor Robbie Skinner and organizer Daya Wright highlighting faith and perseverance. The night ended with the menorah lit in Jawbone Park, plus donuts, hot cider and dreidels.

Flame Detailing opens in Buckhannon just in time for winter salt season

Flame Detailing is officially open in Buckhannon, with owners Shane Jenkins and Blake Rasnake celebrating with a ribbon cutting Friday. The shop offers everything from quick hand washes to full details with ceramic coating to help protect vehicles this winter.

Shannon Danielle Marteney McDaniels

Shannon Danielle Marteney McDaniels, 55, of Buckhannon, died December 17, 2025, and is survived by her husband Brian McDaniels, mother Linda Rohr Marteney, three children, a granddaughter, close friend Maranda Marin, and her dogs, with a celebration of life set for December 27.

Robert Day Allman

Robert Day Allman, 99, a WWII Navy veteran, longtime postal service leader and Buckhannon community member, died December 17, 2025, and is survived by his wife Samueline, children, grandchildren and extended family.

Key to Adam debuts new original West Virginia Christmas song ‘Snowflakes Are Falling’

Buckhannon-based instrumental duo Key to Adam has released a new Christmas song titled ‘Snowflakes Are Falling,’ marking the first time they have added vocals to one of their original projects.

WVU Medicine names Forest Hannah vice president of finance for Central Region critical access hospitals

Forest Hannah will oversee financial strategy and operations for St. Joseph’s Hospital, Summersville Regional Medical Center and Braxton County Memorial Hospital.

Mountain CAP, WVU Extension offering free nutrition and cooking class in Buckhannon starting in January

The six-week “Eating Smart – Being Active” program begins January 7 at the Family Support Center in Buckhannon.

Richard (Dick) Small

Richard (Dick) Small, 81, of Buckhannon, WV, founder of Richard Small Paving, died December 17, 2025, leaving his wife Mary Ann, six children, 19 grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren, and a legacy of faith and music.

Mary Ann Ketterman

Mary Ann Ketterman, 57, of Flemington, WV, died Dec. 14, 2025, at WVU Medicine United Hospital Center and will be cremated following a public viewing Saturday, Dec. 20.